8 Best Hotels in The Western Cape and Winelands, South Africa

You'll soon feel at home at this pretty Victorian B&B in the heart of the village. It was one of the first guesthouses in Darling, and still offers the best service. The six individually decorated rooms in the main house are all named after local artists whose prints hang on the walls. Three of the rooms are next to the pool. The breakfasts, overflowing with homemade bread and jam and yogurt from the local dairy, are a highlight of a stay here. Enjoy them on the terrace or patio in good weather.

If you can't wait to hit the water, then this guesthouse is a great choice since it's bright, airy, and right on the beach. Rooms are, not surprisingly, decorated in beachy shades of blue and white and have an outside shower for wet suits, boards, and such. Sea-facing rooms are ideal for families, with two beds downstairs and two in a loft. To top it off, the property is connected to the Cape Sports Centre complex. Friday Island also has a lovely beachfront bar and restaurant, making it a good place to stay even if you don't take to water in a big way.

In the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, A Hilltop Country Retreat offers spacious and luxurious self-catering accommodations. Decorated with furniture and finishes made by local artists and artisans, each suite is uniquely appointed. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with king-size beds decked out in Egyptian cotton sheets. There are also two fully equipped houses. There are two pools and a barbecue area for all to enjoy. You can self cater, or for an extra fee staff will deliver a DIY breakfast basket to your room.

This delightful hotel was originally built in Victorian times but was extensively remodeled in art deco style after a fire in the early 1930s. The present owners highlight its architectural flourishes and collect furniture and artifacts from this era to complement the interior. There's a palm-shaded swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs in the pretty garden. The dining room serves an excellent breakfast and straightforward lunch and dinner, often showcasing South African staples like Karoo lamb. Ask about taking a trip along Route 62 in a classic American car.

With a great view over vineyards and mountains, this small luxury hotel in a converted farmhouse is an oasis from the sweltering Swartland summer heat (and great as a winter getaway, as well). Rooms have a homey country feel, with comfortable couches and heavy wood furniture. In addition to the outdoor pool, there's an indoor pool so you can take a dip even if the weather is iffy. 

This old Victorian house has been elegantly transformed into a stylish and comfortable guest lodge; white linen and subtle furnishings create a restful atmosphere. Some bathrooms have Victorian claw-foot tubs. Regularly voted one of South Africa's top-100 dining establishments, the restaurant (which charges around R120 per main course) will likely have you coming back for more, especially for dishes such as roast beef fillet with a verjuice-hollandaise sauce. The menu changes daily, and there are also interesting food-and-wine-pairing dinners that are worth inquiring about. For the lodge, arrangements must be made in advance for children.

Decorated in restful shades of blue and white, this is a great base from which to take long whale-watching walks. Ask for a room with a view and put your feet up while you watch the Southern Right whales splashing in the bay below. Alternatively, take a stroll along the nearby whale-watching cliffs. An honor bar and tea and coffee are available throughout the day.

If you come to Hermanus anytime from July to November, consider staying at this hotel in the heart of town. It's a family-run hostelry that offers comfort but little pretense. Rooms are outdated, so the real reason to stay here is its position atop the cliffs, making it a great place to view the annual whale migration. Request one of the second-floor, sea-facing rooms, with sliding-glass doors and unbeatable views. During holidays, a games room with a pool table and table tennis is set up for older children. Breakfasts are ample.